Jungfrau Marathon Ultra is a 42km ultra marathon in Interlaken, Switzerland. Distance: 42km. Elevation: 1,829m D+. Difficulty: moderate (Challenge Rating 34/100). DNF rate: 5%. Time limit: 8h. Surface: mixed. Established 1993.
Jungfrau Marathon Ultra
Interlaken, Bern, Switzerland
"Run uphill from Interlaken to the foot of the Eiger — 1829m of climbing in 42km."
An iconic uphill marathon finishing at 2095m beneath the Eiger North Face — one of the most scenic and steepest courses in the world.
The Course
Starting in Interlaken at 567m and finishing at Kleine Scheidegg at 2095m below the Eiger North Face. A relentless uphill marathon through Swiss alpine scenery past waterfalls, alpine meadows, and the famous Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau triumvirate.
mountainous
point-to-point
5
2,095m
Runner Experience
Standard aid station support with food, drinks, and basic medical assistance at regular intervals.
A legendary finish line atmosphere. Jungfrau Marathon Ultra is a bucket-list race with celebrations that match its reputation.
Race Day Weather
10°C
3° – 18°
65%
35%
September in the Bernese Alps. Cool at the start, genuinely cold at the 2095m finish. Wind and rain possible at altitude.
Stats & Records
1993
3,800
5:15:00
2:49:58
Jonathan Wyatt (2003)
3:16:35
Maude Mathys (2018)
Entry
CHF 130
January
instant
Lore & Trivia
The Eiger is one of the most feared faces in mountaineering — the 1,800m North Face (Nordwand) claimed dozens of lives in the golden age of alpinism. The Scenic Trail circles the base of this legendary mountain through the Bernese Oberland, giving runners intimate views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. It's a very different relationship with the mountain than climbing it — you're running beneath it, feeling its scale, understanding why people risked everything to climb those walls.
- ▸ The finish at Kleine Scheidegg offers a direct view of the infamous Eiger North Face.
- ▸ With 1829m of elevation gain and almost no downhill, this is one of the steepest marathon courses in the world.
- ▸ The race sells out within minutes each year, with demand far exceeding the 4000 spots.
- ▸ Despite being marathon distance, the extreme vertical makes it a genuine ultra effort for most runners.
- ▸ Established in 1993.
The Eiger North Face looming above as you run — a constant reminder of what mountains can do to people who underestimate them.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Jungfrau Marathon Ultra? +
Jungfrau Marathon Ultra is a 42km (42km) ultra marathon with 1,829m of elevation gain. The course is point-to-point on mixed terrain.
How hard is Jungfrau Marathon Ultra? +
Jungfrau Marathon Ultra is rated moderate with a Challenge Rating of 34/100 (Moderate). The DNF rate is 5%. Runners have 8 hours to finish.
How do I enter Jungfrau Marathon Ultra? +
Entry is by lottery. Entry costs CHF 130. with a maximum of 4000 starters.
What is the weather like at Jungfrau Marathon Ultra? +
Average temperature is 10°C (range 3°C to 18°C) with 65% humidity and a 35% chance of rain. September in the Bernese Alps. Cool at the start, genuinely cold at the 2095m finish. Wind and rain possible at altitude.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Jungfrau Marathon Ultra? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed.
What is the course record for Jungfrau Marathon Ultra? +
The men's course record is 2:49:58 set by Jonathan Wyatt in 2003. The women's course record is 3:16:35 set by Maude Mathys in 2018.
What is the average finish time for Jungfrau Marathon Ultra? +
The average finish time is 5:15:00. About 3,800 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 5%.
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